• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Baker's Almanac

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Baking Tips
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Baking Tips
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Baking Tips

    How to Test if a Cake is Done

    Published: Nov 7, 2019 · Last Modified: Feb 12, 2022 by Leslie Jeon · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Chocolate cake with berries and a sparkler that reads 'How to Test if a Cake is Done'

    It can be a bit tricky to tell when a cake has finished baking. However, once you learn how to test if a cake is done, you will be a pro in no time! 

    Chocolate cake with berries and a sparkler that reads 'How to Test if a Cake is Done' this post

    How to Test if a Cake is Done

    Before I take any cake out of the oven, I like to double (and triple!) check that it has finished baking. Below are three different ways you can tell if a cake is done. However, keep in mind that you don't have to do all these methods each time—find what works best for you, and stick with it.

    1. When a Cake Tester or Toothpick Comes Out Clean

    This is my personal favorite method to test if a cake has finished baking. Take a toothpick or cake tester and insert it into the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean with no raw batter, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

    Sandwich cake topped with whipped cream and raspberries

    (Image credit: Alina Karpenko)

    2. When the Sides Pull Away

    When a cake has finished baking, the outer edges of the cake will usually pull away from the sides of the pan. Once you see that start to happen, the cake is usually ready to come out.

    3. When the Cake is Springy to the Touch

    Finally, you can see if a cake is ready by lightly touching the surface of it. If the cake is springy to the touch, it's ready to come out of the oven! When doing this, your finger should not leave an indent in the cake. If it does, throw it back in the oven for a few minutes and then test again.

    Cake with candle inside

    (Image credit: Dilyara Garifullina)

    Want to Learn More?

    Check out these articles to learn more about the science of baking and bake like a pastry chef at home!

    • 3 Types of Leavening Agents in Baking
    • How to Properly Measure Flour (Spoon & Level Method)
    • Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder: What's the Difference?
    • 5 Amazing Books That Explore the Science of Baking
    « Folding Technique for Cakes
    The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Cheesecake »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    hi there, i'm leslie!

    I'm a professionally-trained pastry chef, and here at The Baker's Almanac, I share unique dessert recipes and baking tips to help you bake with confidence. You can usually find me with a cookie (or two) in one hand and a cookbook in the other!

    Learn more about me →

    find the perfect recipe

    summer recipes

    • 4th of July Cookies
    • Easy Strawberry Jam (No Pectin)
    • S'mores Rice Krispie Treats
    • Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

    bake like a pro

    • 11 Common Baking Mistakes You Might Be Making
    • The Ultimate Fruit Flavor Pairing Chart
    • Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder: What's the Difference?
    • The Difference Between French, Swiss, and Italian Meringue

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Portfolio

    Recipes

    Cakes and Cupcakes

    Cookies

    Muffins

    Scones

    Learn

    Baking Tips

    Pastry School Recaps

    Culinary Industry

    Blogger Resources

    Copyright © 2022 The Baker's Almanac. All rights reserved.
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


    We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Learn more here.

    The Baker's Almanac
    Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.